Every year, Western Art Week brings an influx of tourism and revenue to Great Falls as art collectors come from all over the country and the world to buy pieces by renowned artists at First Strike Friday and The Russell Live Auction.

But this annual event is about more than just big names. All over town, talented local and regional artists set up shop at various art shows to prove that great art can be accessible to everyone.

Western Art Week plays host to nine other art shows featuring hundreds of contributors with thousands of pieces for every taste and price range. The History Museum hosts the Missouri Falls Fine Art Show for the second year, and the March in Montana Show has found a new home at the Elks Lodge.

For Great Falls artists, being part of Western Art Week means exposure to a larger audience and a chance to get their art and their names out into the world. Being part of a collective, such as the Studio 706 Artist Guild, helps keep affordable for members who participate.

“It gives us a place to display our art,” said Studio 706 member Steve Tilleraas. “There’s very few places and times that we can display what we have.”

Being in close proximity to the Russell Skull Society of Artists Suites provides a distinct advantage.

“It’s fun to see people come that are maybe in for one of the bigger shows come through, and hopefully some come up and see us,” Tilleraas said.

The shows also give the art community a chance to get together and see what fellow artists have been creating throughout the year.

“You get to see a lot of your friends,” said Studio 706 show chairwoman Darlene Sanford. “Maybe a friend comes in to look at your stuff and they get to see someone else’s also.”

In addition to the art displays, buyers can peruse two different antique shows, shop local art galleries and museums and even create their own art with make-and-take events happening daily.

If hands-on art is your thing, Art in Action is the whole package, featuring 26 artists who bring pieces in a variety of media and finish them before your eyes, answering questions and explaining their process along the way.

“We intentionally keep it at a lengthened time span as opposed to the traditional ‘quick draw’ to really encourage that interaction,” said Duane Braaten, C.M. Russell Museum’s director of art and philanthropy.

Whichever events you choose to attend during Western Art Week, you’ll find something new around every corner. Free transportation is available between show venues from the Great Falls Tourism Business Improvement District Thursday through Sunday, and art week guests are encouraged to make use of Montana ExpoPark’s ample free parking and use the shuttle to get from show to show.